Helping My Brother, Jamie’s Stroke Recovery

Hey everyone! My name is Amanda and I am putting forward this fundraiser for my brother Jamie and his wife Christine during a very difficult time in their lives.

 

In September 2021 Jamie suffered a very serious ischemic stroke which has left him with ongoing impairments medically, physically and mentally. According to his stroke team of doctors, he may recover in some ways over time but some parts of his brain appear dark in scans and therefore are likely to remain that way indefinitely which means some of his impairments are for forever. 

 

A stroke is a brain attack. It happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off, killing brain cells. Damage to brain cells can affect how the body works. It can also change how someone thinks and feels.

 

To give a real look into Jamie's new reality, here are a few words from his wife Christine:

 

Jamie’s Day to Day

 

To sum it up, Jamie’s life has been flipped upside down.

 

We all take for granted our “easy” everyday tasks. The simple things like just brushing your teeth, shaving, showering and getting dressed. Truth is, Jamie struggles with all of these and many more.

Jamie’s day starts with a struggle to get out of bed and because of his balance issues, he is unable to shower or dress without assistance. He is unable to drive and with short term memory loss as a result of the stroke, he is unable to work. Prior to the stroke, Jamie was working in the mechanic field, working heavy duty and automotive, but before he had his stroke he started a job that he loved and went back into the communications field, which he did for over 20 years. As a result of the stroke, he totally forgot how to do his job and no longer remembers how to even change a flat tire or put a connector on a cable. Jamie was 10 days into his new job when the stoke occurred and unfortunately has no insurance and just recently has been denied Canada pension disability. Since September we have struggled with this new “normal” and I am sad to say there has been no changes or improvements. In addition to this, I, unfortunately am not able to take the time off work to be with my husband who needs me as we only have one income. Each day we make a plan to ensure he is well taken care of and not alone as he simply can’t be alone. In addition to all of this, I am sad to say that as a result of all these new changes from the stroke, Jamie is clinically depressed. It itself, is a hard road of unexplained thoughts and dips of high and lows. 

I thank God everyday for our beautiful children, family and friends along with my work who have helped and supported us tremendously.

Although this has been the hardest time of our lives, with continued visits to the stroke team and bloods being done every three days along with taking care of a rare blood disease, we remain hopeful.

We are currently in the process of selling things in an effort to downsize and help pay existing and impending bills due to our dramatic lifestyle change.

Saying that, it takes time and unfortunately we find ourselves to be in a position of constant worry as things start to spiral out of control and we are not able to keep up.

 

~ Christine

 

From my experience, just recently on a trip back to Canada I had the opportunity to spend some time with my brother and words can't truly express how much his stroke has changed him. Although my brother is "there", he just isn't the same. He appears empty inside, he no longer talks much in a conversation, he doesn't laugh like he used to and he just looks sad and hurt. In a room with a lot of people, he will just sit there and take it in, silently. It's like he is trying to process all that is happening but simply can't get there. I say all of this with tears streaming down as it hurts my heart in a way that just shouldn't be. I love him so much, we all do. If you know my brother you'd know he's a funny guy who is always up for a laugh. Family is his number one, he loves kids, loves being in his garage with his many collections. Jamie is always there to lend a hand, to give the shirt off his back.

 

It is with that, I ask, we ask, for any support and prayers you may have to help during this difficult time of recovery. Let's help them feel a breather whilst trying to get their lives to a situation where it is more manageable.

 

In the meantime I will continue to update any developments on this page when necessary.

 

 

Thank you for reading, bless you all.

 

 

Amanda